WAD stands for whiplash associated disorder. WAD is a neck injury resulting from rapid acceleration followed by deceleration, and is commonly caused by traffic accidents. The actual pathology is a bit abstruse and lacks a thorough understanding, because the exact cause of the symptoms are controversial. WAD symptoms are subjective, yet highly prevalent.1 Although the pathology is controversial, there are four widely used grades of classification developed by the Quebec Task Force.2 Classification grades include grades 1, 2, 3, and 4. Grade one describes pain, stiffness, and tenderness isolated to the neck with no physiological signs of damage. If Decreased ROM is also observed, along with point specific tenderness, the classification is increased
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Approximately 50% of patients who sustain a symptomatic whiplash report chronic, and potentially more widespread, disabling symptoms lasting over a year.2, 4 Systematic reviews report limited effectiveness on treating chronic WAD. Also, systematic reviews have not conclusively shown early management approaches to have significant effects on the transition from acute to chronic symptoms. Clinical trials show opposing results regarding the effectiveness of physical therapy intervention.4 Since WAD can be debilitating and costly for individuals as well as society, is therapeutic exercise the most appropriate treatment for Whiplash associated disorder in regards to pain, cost, and …show more content…
PGAP uses targeted techniques such as thought recording, reappraisal, and cognitive restructuring.8 The study A psychosocial risk factor--targeted intervention for the prevention of chronic pain and disability following whiplash injury compared 130 patients with grade 1 and 2 acute whiplash. The experimental group consisted of 70 patients with psychosocial risk factors who coupled PGAP with functional physical therapy (mobility, flexibility, and endurance exercises). The control group consisted of 60 patients with psychosocial risk factors who received only the physical therapy interventions. The PT plus PGAP group yielded 75% return to work rates, whereas PT alone was associated with 50% return to work rates.8 The PT alone group however, and the PGAP group, both yielded similar results of perceived of disability and fear of reinjury scores. The article concluded that psychosocial intervention with physical therapy may emerge as a cost effective approach for prevention of prolonged pain and disability.
Approximately 50% of patients who sustain a symptomatic whiplash report chronic, and potentially more widespread, disabling symptoms lasting over a year.2, 4 Systematic reviews report limited effectiveness on treating chronic WAD. Also, systematic reviews have not conclusively shown early management approaches to have significant effects on the transition from acute to chronic symptoms. Clinical trials show opposing results regarding the effectiveness of physical therapy intervention.4 Since WAD can be debilitating and costly for individuals as well as society, is therapeutic exercise the most appropriate treatment for Whiplash associated disorder in regards to pain, cost, and …show more content…
PGAP uses targeted techniques such as thought recording, reappraisal, and cognitive restructuring.8 The study A psychosocial risk factor--targeted intervention for the prevention of chronic pain and disability following whiplash injury compared 130 patients with grade 1 and 2 acute whiplash. The experimental group consisted of 70 patients with psychosocial risk factors who coupled PGAP with functional physical therapy (mobility, flexibility, and endurance exercises). The control group consisted of 60 patients with psychosocial risk factors who received only the physical therapy interventions. The PT plus PGAP group yielded 75% return to work rates, whereas PT alone was associated with 50% return to work rates.8 The PT alone group however, and the PGAP group, both yielded similar results of perceived of disability and fear of reinjury scores. The article concluded that psychosocial intervention with physical therapy may emerge as a cost effective approach for prevention of prolonged pain and disability.